Fast and witty story about 1 day in the life of a newspaper journalist. Workaholic Michael Keaton is addicted to his feverish deadline job at the daily newspaper.While his wife Marisa Tomei is pregnant he still wont take time to support her because he is rushing to make the newspapers deadline. Will they release the paper in time for todays deadline or not? "The Paper" is a somewhat romantic and feverish portrayal of a days work at a newspaper and it makes for great cinema! Seen "The Paper" many times now. It isnt a masterpiece, but is so enjoyable to watch again and again, because the characters are so loveable and full of charm and wit. The actors Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei and Robert Duvall are to thank for that. They carry this movie with ease! Lovely, energetic and witty picture! Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.Ron Howard makes another feelgoodmovie with "The Paper". Never too sentimental, never too cliche without humour softening it, Ron Howard finds the right balance. I believe that in "The Paper" director Ron Howard is at his peak. I feel really good having watched this fast, witty and sometimes romantic flick!

Knowing a lot of other journalists, I can assure readers I was not alone in watching this 1994 Ron Howard film and thinking "that's what I wanna do!" Looking at this as someone who's worked at newspapers both small and big, and recently back to small again there are scenes in this that perfectly capture the base insanity of those who catch the journalism bug. It's a strange profession. When you are in a groove and rolling there is no job like it. The diversity and breadth of people you meet, stories you cover and publications you have the opportunity to work for are simply incredible. When you are in a rut and struggling to string two paragraphs together, it can be the very definition of hell.The film belongs to Michael Keaton, who is having the type of day that anyone who's been in the job for more than a few months can relate to. He has the story, knows what really happened, but is banging his head against a brick wall looking for someone to confirm it. I love that I recognize some of the other characters in this. The guy with the comfy seat, the guy who wants to know if "there's a better word for....," the frustrated boos who just wants you to get to the damned editorial meeting on time, and the cynical secretary "you're honest, ethical and I want you out of this building." And it is that editorial meeting which captures the actual process so well.There are so many great actors and performances in this movie. Glenn Close as a woman in what was then a man's world (three of my first four editors were female so it's less so now, but city papers definitely have a ways to go), trying to be taken seriously, Randy Quaid as a typically useless columnist. Marissa Tomeii as a pregnant woman who really can't handle taking time off from the job (which reminds me of many a colleague who would make their way to the office as far into their pregnancy as 9 months).This is a comedy first and foremost, and so it has license to go over the top, but Keaton's journey, apart from punching his editor in the face in the final scene, is entirely authentic for anyone who's ever felt that frustration of having a story written and ready to go and trying desperately to get confirmation without which it can't be printed. "I need it! Right. Now! TO. NIGHT!" I guess if you worked in saner papers than the ones I have (I hold out hope that somewhere there are some) or have never worked in a paper before, some of the stuff in this may come across as odd, but I loved watching it when I was young and was shocked to find how close to reality some of this was. There's a reason why they play the editorial meeting scene from this film in first year university media classes. Of course not all of it rings true, and some of it is just plain naïve, but it tries. Just sit back and enjoy a fun, engaging and at some points, accurate, look at a profession like no other. Enjoy a superb performance from Michael Keaton supported by a fully functioning ensemble. The Paper isn't a perfect story, but would make Page One most days.

Yet another big budget, Hollywood movie about the wild, fast paced world of journalism. It is not exactly an exciting premise but Hollywood keeps romanticizing this profession. Don't expect All the President's Men, Absence of Malice, or even the Pelican Brief here. This is just Ron Howard stockpiling a bunch of big names much like the Yankees do. I read reviews where this is a realistic look at news...yada yada...so what? That doesn't make good cinema. There is much shouting, arguing, fighting including a fistfight between Close and Keaton to show just how much convictions their characters have. I don't find anyone or anything particularly likable or interesting in this tedious piece.

Ron Howard is a legendary filmmaker, no two options on that! His body of work is truly admirable, as he has made dozens of memorable films. 'The Paper' is another feather in his well-decorated cap, a film that exposes the behind-the-scenes of a newsroom.It beautifully depicts 24 hours in a newspaper editor's professional and personal life. Howard makes the most believable characters in a subject like this. Each character has a interesting story to tell, which is the U.S.P of this rush-hour flick. As mentioned, It offers Super Entertainment in those 110 minutes.Howard's direction, as always, deserves brownie points. David & Stephen Koepp's screenplay is super, with memorable dialog. John Seale's Cinematography is perfect. Daniel P. Hanley & Mike Hill's editing is flawless.In the acting department, Glenn Close is fantastic. She plays her character flawlessly. Michael Keaton is lovable. One of my all-time favorite actors! Robert Duvall, like always, is restrained and cool. Marisa Tomei is excellent. Randy Quaid is funny, and gets it right. Jason Robards in a cameo, is fine.On the whole, 'The Paper' is a memorable film. An Ideal Sunday Afernoon Watch! Thumbs Up!